Armed fighting, which began in South Sudan’s capital of Juba in mid-December, quickly spread to other parts of the country, leaving hundreds of thousands displaced and seeking safety in neighboring countries. A cessation of hostilities agreement was signed in January by both parties to the conflict, however, fighting continues.

Hundreds of volunteers from both the South Sudan Red Cross and the Red Cross/Red Crescent societies in neighboring countries continue to assist those affected by the violence as they relocate to safer areas.

The town of Lira in Northern Uganda does not have a fire department. Its buildings are built so closely together that a small fire can quickly escalate into a major disaster as commonly used construction materials like straw and wood fuel the flames.

In neighboring Gulu, a town about 64 miles away, emergency responders face equally daunting circumstances. Response teams are often hindered by a lack of planning capacity because even the largest roads are not mapped out.

WASHINGTON, DC, September 26, 2007
- The American Red Cross is supporting three relief workers who are joining
the international response to flooding in Africa. Extremely heavy rains
and flooding have affected more than 1.5 million people in at least 18
countries, driving thousands from their homes, destroying crops and displacing
livestock.